While it's quite unlikely that the writer overhauled the entire script in such a short time, we can assume that the studio got the talented writer in to just polish the script a bit.

ComicBookMovie reports that Gary Whitta (After Earth) originally started out as the writer on Rogue One, but was soon replaced by Chris Weitz (Cindrella). The movie is being directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) and filming reportedly began in early August.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Plot

The prequel/spinoff film follows a group of Rebels who stole the plans for the original Death Star (as seen in A New Hope). Rogue One will be the first in a series of on-screen adventures exploring stories outside the core Star Wars saga. The movie will be set after Episode 3 (Revenge Of The Sith) and before Episode 4 (A New Hope) in an era without Jedi.

"It comes down to a group who don't have magical powers, who somehow have to bring hope to the galaxy," said Edwards in an earlier interview. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theatres December 15, 2016.

Talking about the overall treatment of the film, Edwards stated that the film is aiming for realism, and that it's a no-holds-barred war picture. "It's the reality of war. Good guys are bad. Bad guys are good. It's complicated, layered; a very rich scenario in which to set a movie."